Quick stop in Ireland

Dublin

A couple of days escape to the Dublin capital city of the emerald isle is not a bad idea for a weekend getaway. Dublin is packed full of tourists, and is swarming with locals there's a real pulse in the city centre and a party in other areas of the city.

Bangers and mash are every where in Dublin a good start to any day or night.

This pair were at the Church, a renovated church in the centre of Dublin with a grand bar, restaurant and nightclub, it's a great space and an ideal meeting point before exploring the city.

Gastro pub offerings in a church made famous as the wedding place for Arthur Guinness, from brewery fame many years ago.

Bangers and mash, never far away

Stepping back in time

Irish baking culture

Bewley's is located on Grafton street the middle of Dublin's shopping district, steeped in tradition as Dublin's premiere & iconic tea and coffee house/restaurant since the 1840's,

heritage classics from Bewley's past such as sticky bun, cherry bun and barnbrack are still served in the newly refurbished grand tea room.

Bewley's own brand coffee and tea is also a nice bonus.

Renovated stained glass windows at Bewley's

Dining in style

An Irish classic.

A visit to O'Connell's is a comforting escape from the maddening crowds, a generously appointed restaurant studiously watched in old school "patron" style.

Great food including a self service "small Irish producers counter", the Irish produce theme continues through the well cooked main courses and desserts.

We were lucky enough to be there during the Irish Rhone week and enjoyed a selection of wines and vintages from château Pesquie.

Wine tasting at O'Connell's

Moving forward

The new Dublin

You'll need to book in advance to get a table at the vintage kitchen a hot little high octane powerhouse BYO restaurant with double sittings every night.

Theres a pub next door if you come early for a pre dinner drink.

The menu features 4-5 starters, mains and deserts, big portions and full on flavour, relaxed atmosphere and easy going staff.

We also tried Dollard & co's new food hall, a showcase of local and international produce, similar to Eataly's concept. try the "pulled" roast lamb sandwich.

Seafood chowder vintage kitchen

And the past

Irish heritage

The Tree on the green at Trinity, there's one on the other side as well but not as well formed as this one. Trinity College and its surrounds is a must see in Dublin.

Iy's here that the book of Kells is housed, the book/books from the eight century are housed in its own museum, a fantastic window into the past.

Upstairs from the book of Kells is the old library, two floors of vaulted library nooks crammed full of documents and volumes as well as miniatures and cartoons from Irelands rich history of famous poets, play writes and literary scholars.

Out side there are breweries and brewery museums as well as whiskey distillers and whiskey museums to visit and explore.

Grab a city sightseeing bus to get your bearings before you dive in.

The tree on the green at Trinity colledge